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What is Breast Implant Removal?

Breast implant removal, also called breast explant surgery, is a procedure to remove one or both breast implants. Women may choose implant removal for many reasons, including implant rupture, capsular contracture, concerns about Breast Implant Illness (BII), or a desire for a more natural breast appearance. In some cases, surgery may also include removal of the surrounding scar capsule or a breast lift to restore breast shape. Los Angeles plastic surgeon Dr. Steven Teitelbaum specializes in breast implant removal and complex revision procedures, helping patients achieve comfortable, natural-looking results.

Breast Implant Removal: Dr.
Teitelbaum's Expertise

Dr. Teitelbaum regularly treats complex breast implant complications, including capsular contracture, implant malposition, rupture, and cases where patients choose breast implant removal, many of which other plastic surgeons tried unsuccessfully to repair, if they were even willing to try at all. Dr. Teitelbaum has been referred to as "the breast revision expert" and has published articles and book chapters on this subject. Dr. Teitelbaum was the very first surgeon to create a classification system to evaluate the complexity and treatment options for correcting horrible breast deformities.

Dr. Teitelbaum is an expert in breast augmentation revision, from simple saline implant deflation to the most complex cases that involve malposition, capsular contracture, implant rupture, and droopiness.

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Saline Implant Deflation:
What to Expect

One of the most common reasons women undergo breast implant removal or replacement is saline implant deflation.

When a saline implant leaks, it deflates over days or weeks. It is dramatic and obvious. Treatment involves removing and replacing that implant. If it has been years since the original surgery, you will need to consider whether you want to replace the other implant as well. Also, you should consider whether you want to switch to a different implant size and whether you want to switch to a silicone implant. If you do decide to change to a larger implant, the pocket around the implant might need to be enlarged, and the other breast will need surgery as well to balance the pair aesthetically. 

This situation is not a medical emergency, but the surgery is easier for you if performed within the first several weeks after the saline implant leaks. As the implant starts leaking, even a thin, normal capsule around it will contract and thicken. When that happens, Dr. Teitelbaum needs to remove some or all of the scar tissue, which makes for a bigger operation. If done quickly, the old implant usually can just be removed and replaced. Sometimes, while awaiting surgery, Dr. Teitelbaum will use a needle to remove fluid from the good implant to correct the asymmetry. It may sound bizarre, but it is less invasive than drawing blood from a vein in your arm.

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When is Breast Implant Removal (Breast Explant) Recommended?

Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue around a breast implant tightens and hardens, sometimes causing pain, firmness, or visible distortion of the breast. When contracture becomes severe, treatment typically involves surgery to remove the scar capsule and implant. In some cases, patients choose breast implant removal or replacement to restore comfort and a more natural breast shape.

Breast Implant Rippling

Rippling occurs when folds or waves in the implant become visible through the breast skin. This can happen when breast tissue is thin, skin becomes stretched, or the implant is too small for the breast envelope. In some situations, patients choose breast implant removal, replacement, or revision surgery to improve breast contour and reduce visible rippling.

Increased Breast Size

Changes in body weight, pregnancy, or personal preferences can cause breast implants to feel too large over time. Some patients also experience discomfort during exercise or difficulty fitting clothing. When this occurs, breast implant removal or downsizing may help restore a more natural breast appearance and improve overall comfort.

Implant Rupture

Breast implants are not lifetime devices and may eventually rupture or leak. A saline implant rupture typically causes rapid deflation, while silicone implant ruptures may be harder to detect. When a rupture occurs, treatment usually involves breast implant removal or replacement surgery to restore breast shape and prevent further complications.

Implant Size Change as a Reason for Revision Surgery

Some patients choose breast implant removal or replacement because their aesthetic goals change over time.

This is a medically unnecessary procedure and should only be performed for a sufficient reason. A size change revision is also totally avoidable. If a patient understands at the time of the first operation that implant size should be based on both measurements of their own tissue and published data on the ideal size for each measurement, then it follows that each breast has one "correct" size. Dr. Teitelbaum is a renowned expert for his ability to determine the "correct" size for you.

Sometimes, patients gain or lose weight and therefore need to change their implants. Breastfeeding can also lead to a change in the breasts and the size of an implant that will best fit.

In general, more patients actually want to be revised smaller rather than larger. This finding dispels the myth that patients always wish they had chosen a larger implant size. This desire to reduce the implant size could be because the patient wants a more natural-looking breast, may face discomfort during sports or fitting into fashionable clothes, or even simply wants to accommodate her evolving personal relationships and lifestyle. Whatever the reasoning behind the revision, Dr. Teitelbaum will provide you with an exceptional surgery.

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Breast Implant Illness (BII)

Some women report a range of symptoms they believe may be related to their breast implants, commonly referred to as Breast Implant Illness (BII). Reported symptoms may include fatigue, brain fog, joint or muscle pain, hair thinning, skin rashes, digestive issues, anxiety, and other unexplained health concerns.

Although Breast Implant Illness is not currently a formal medical diagnosis, many patients seek evaluation when symptoms develop after breast augmentation. Because these symptoms can overlap with autoimmune disorders, hormonal changes, and other medical conditions, a thorough medical evaluation is recommended.

For some patients, breast implant removal (explant surgery) with capsulectomy may be considered after discussing symptoms, medical history, and treatment options with an experienced plastic surgeon. Some women report improvement after implant removal, though results vary.

Dr. Steven Teitelbaum provides thoughtful evaluations for patients concerned about possible implant-related symptoms and helps guide them through their options for breast implant removal or revision surgery.

Learn More about BII

BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma)

BIA-ALCL is a rare lymphoma that can develop in the scar capsule surrounding certain textured breast implants. It is not breast cancer but a cancer of the immune system that forms in the tissue or fluid around the implant.

Symptoms may include persistent swelling, fluid buildup around the implant, or a new lump in the breast or armpit. When detected early, treatment typically involves removal of the implant and surrounding capsule. Patients experiencing unusual swelling or breast changes should seek prompt evaluation from a qualified plastic surgeon.

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Can Breast Implants Be Replaced After Removal?

In some cases, patients who previously chose breast implant removal later decide they would like implants again. This may occur after changes in body weight, lifestyle, or aesthetic preferences. Some patients also reconsider implants after having them removed for complications such as capsular contracture or infection.

When implants were removed without a significant complication, breast implant replacement is usually straightforward. However, patients who experienced infection or recurrent capsular contracture may have a higher risk of similar issues if implants are placed again.

During consultation, Dr. Steven Teitelbaum carefully reviews the reasons for the original implant removal and discusses the safest options for breast implant replacement or revision surgery, helping patients achieve their desired results while minimizing risk.

View the Replacement After Removal Gallery

How do I know if my silicone implant is leaking?

How do I know if my saline implant has ruptured?

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Will I Need a Breast Lift After Implant Removal?

Some type of breast lift will need to be done if there is too much breast skin or if the nipple is too low.

This does involve scars, but if loose skin or a low nipple is the problem, then a lift (mastopexy) is the only solution. There are various types of lifts with different lengths and scar locations. Dr. Teitelbaum will discuss the scar options for your situation.

If a pre-existing implant is too high, then the implant and, often, scar tissue are removed surgically. Then, a new implant is placed a bit lower so that it pushes the previously drooping breast tissue outwards and upwards.

Drooping Before & After

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Understanding Saline and Silicone Breast Implants

Some patients considering implant removal may also consider replacing saline implants with silicone implants instead.

Silicone does not slosh like saline sometimes does. But saline is used today in two primary situations: concerns about cost (it is about half the cost of silicone) and because some patients are fearful of silicone and do not want to undergo post-op follow-up for silicone leakage. However, no scientific data support this fear. Still, emotional responses are valid, and no woman should even consider putting any kind of implant into her body if she has fears about them.

With enough data to finally demonstrate their safety, silicone implants were once again available in the fall of 2006. Since that time, a large number of women with saline implants have returned to Dr. Teitelbaum to have their implants replaced with silicone. Sometimes this is because the saline implant has broken and deflated, requiring a revision. Some patients will just replace the deflated side with another saline; others will replace both sides with saline, and others will replace both sides with silicone.

There are also patients who do not have broken saline implants who choose to change their implants to silicone for some combination of the following reasons: rippling, firmness, roundness, upper bulge, overall feel, sloshing, fear of a deflation at an inconvenient time that requires an unplanned revision, concern about the age of the implant, or wanting to change size. Weighing the benefits of addressing these issues against the risks and costs varies with each patient, and Dr. Teitelbaum has had these discussions with hundreds of patients and can help you decide whether changing your saline implants to silicone implants is right for you.

In general, if you are happy with everything about your breasts, Dr. Teitelbaum will discourage you from replacing your saline breast implants with silicone breast implants; he believes there should be another reason. Together, you and Dr. Teitelbaum can create a plan that best suits your needs and concerns.

Dr. Teitelbaum’s Capsular Contracture Before & Afters

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Breast Implant Removal FAQs

What is the difference between breast implant removal and capsulectomy?

Breast implant removal refers to taking out the implant itself. A capsulectomy involves removing some or all of the scar capsule surrounding the implant. Whether capsulectomy is recommended depends on the reason for surgery, the condition of the capsule, and the patient’s goals.

Is en bloc capsulectomy always necessary?

No. En bloc capsulectomy is not necessary in every case of breast implant removal. The best surgical approach depends on the condition being treated, the capsule, and whether there is rupture, severe contracture, or another specific concern. Dr. Teitelbaum recommends the approach that is safest and most appropriate for each patient.

What will my breasts look like after implant removal?

Breast appearance after breast implant removal surgery depends on implant size, skin quality, breast tissue, and how long the implants have been in place. Some women do well with implant removal alone, while others may benefit from a breast lift or fat transfer to improve contour.

Will I have loose skin after breast implant removal?

Some patients develop loose skin after breast explant surgery, especially if they had large implants or stretched tissue. In those cases, a breast lift may be recommended to reshape the breast and improve nipple position.

How long is recovery after breast implant removal?

Recovery after breast implant removal varies depending on whether the procedure includes capsulectomy, implant replacement, or a lift. Most patients can expect swelling, soreness, and temporary activity restrictions, with more detailed recovery instructions provided after surgery.

Is breast implant removal painful?

Most patients experience soreness, tightness, and swelling after surgery, but discomfort is usually manageable with medication and post-operative care. Recovery can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure.

Can breast implant removal be combined with a breast lift?

Yes. Breast implant removal and lift surgery are commonly performed together when there is excess skin, drooping, or low nipple position. Combining the procedures can help restore a more youthful and natural breast shape.

Can I replace my implants at the same time they are removed?

Yes, in many cases patients can undergo breast implant removal and replacement during the same procedure. This may be an option for women who want to change implant size, switch implant type, or correct a complication while maintaining breast volume.

Do breast implants need to be replaced after a certain number of years?

Breast implants are not lifetime devices, but they do not always need to be replaced on a set schedule. Replacement or removal is usually considered when there is a rupture, capsular contracture, a change in appearance, or a change in personal preference.

Will I have scars after breast implant removal?

Yes, there will be some scarring after breast implant removal surgery, although surgeons often use or revise existing incision lines when possible. Additional scars may be needed if a breast lift is performed.

Does insurance cover breast implant removal?

Insurance coverage for breast implant removal depends on the reason for surgery and the individual policy. In some cases, medically necessary treatment for complications may be eligible for coverage, but cosmetic portions of surgery are often not covered.

Can I still get mammograms after breast implant removal?

Yes. In fact, some patients find breast imaging easier after implant removal, particularly if the implants were causing firmness or distortion. Patients should continue age-appropriate breast screening and follow their physician’s recommendations.

How do I choose the best surgeon for breast implant removal in Los Angeles?

Choosing the right surgeon for breast implant removal in Los Angeles means looking for extensive experience in breast revision surgery, careful aesthetic judgment, and a thoughtful approach to complications such as capsular contracture, rupture, and implant malposition. Experience matters, especially in complex explant cases.

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